ATHENS, Dec 20: A speedboat transporting migrants capsized early Friday off the coast of the eastern Greek island of Rhodes, resulting in eight fatalities and 18 individuals rescued, according to Greek authorities.
The coast guard reported that the incident occurred as the speedboat was performing “dangerous maneuvers” in an attempt to escape a patrol vessel, leading to migrants falling into the water.
A rescue operation is currently in progress, involving coast guard ships and a helicopter, as it remains uncertain if there are additional missing passengers, officials noted.
Rhodes, one of the larger Greek islands situated near the Turkish coast, lies along a heavily trafficked illegal smuggling route in the eastern Mediterranean. (AP)
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